Robin Godwin: Waterfront Partnership Seeks an Operator for Rash Field Café

Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore, Baltimore Development Corporation, and Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Parks today issued a request for qualifications (RFQ) from restaurateurs and food purveyors to operate the waterfront café at Rash Field Park, which is currently under construction at the Inner Harbor.

The waterfront café will be approximately 1,200 sq. ft. with about 70 ft. of storefront opening to a shaded pedestrian plaza. There will be an opportunity for outdoor seating.

The RFQ says the café will be delivered as a “warm, lit shell” and the café operator will be responsible for all improvements required to accommodate their proposed use. Restrooms will also be provided with a separate entrance.

The full RFQ can be found online at www.waterfrontpartnership.org and responses are due no later than 12pm on June 18, 2021.

After review of the responses, Waterfront Partnership, Baltimore Development Corporation, and Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Parks will invite select respondents to submit a specific proposal through a subsequent request for proposals (RFP).

The selected respondent may apply for a liquor license for this location in partnership with Waterfront Partnership. If approved by the Board of Liquor License Commissioners for Baltimore City, the operator may serve beer, wine, and liquor from Monday through Sunday until 11 pm.

“This is a really exciting time as we take the next step in the development of Rash Field Park,” said Laurie Schwartz, president of Waterfront Partnership, in a press release. “We’re seeking those with experience in restaurant operations, preferably in the greater Baltimore area, and an interest in being part of the reimagination of Rash Field into a world-class urban waterfront park for people of all ages, but especially families. With more than 14 million visitors a year coming to the Inner Harbor, the café offers an incredible opportunity.”

“Baltimore is home to many talented restaurateurs and food purveyors. We are hoping to see some of them respond to this RFQ, and, in particular, we hope to see responses from Baltimore City Woman and Minority-Owned firms and non-profit social enterprises,” added Schwartz.

The $16.8-million Phase 1 of the Rash Field redevelopment began construction last year and its expected to open later this year. Phase I will renovate the western section of the 7.5-acre park. This phase will add a redeveloped pavilion with the café and outdoor patio, an overlook with a partially green roof, bathrooms, a shade structure, and amphitheater seating; a skate park called Jake’s Skate Park; a children’s nature park; a children’s kinetic playground; and new plants and landscaping. These new features replaced a small parking lot (not the one designated for the Maryland Science Center), a green space, a brick patio with a sandbox, and the western edge of the concrete bleachers.

Whiting-Turner serves as the construction manager and general contractor, and Mahan Rykiel Associates leads the design team.

Planning and fundraising is currently underway for Phase II.

Phase I renderings from Waterfront Partnership, Mahan Rykiel, and Gensler